44% of Standing Workers Unsatisfied With Work Shoe Support

Foot Pain at Work Report 2026: 53% of Standing Workers Report Weekly Discomfort

Boca Raton, United States – May 7, 2026 / Footminders Inc. /

BOCA RATON, Fla., May 5, 2026

A new Footminders survey of workers who spend extended hours standing or walking found that more than half report frequent foot pain. The results point to widespread dissatisfaction with work shoe support and notably low adoption of orthotic insoles among workers who experience regular discomfort. Following broad industry interest in its initial findings, Footminders Inc. has released an expanded analysis in its new ‘Foot Pain at Work Report,’ offering deeper insight into how prolonged standing shifts affect worker wellness over time.

The survey found that 53% of respondents experience foot pain several days a week, and 42% reported that discomfort typically sets in before their work shift ends.

The heel was the most frequently cited pain location, reflecting the strain placed on the foot during long periods on hard surfaces. The survey also found that foot discomfort often extends beyond the workday, affecting quality of life for 32% of those surveyed.

Key Survey Findings:

53% of respondents reported foot pain several days per week or more
42% said discomfort typically begins before the end of their work shift
Heel pain was the most commonly reported pain location
44% expressed dissatisfaction with the support or comfort of their work shoes
Only 22% of workers experiencing weekly foot pain reported using orthotic insoles

Methodology

The Foot Pain at Work Report 2026 is based on an online survey conducted between March 1 and March 11, 2026, targeting U.S. workers.

Total responses: 512
Qualified respondents: 246
Qualification criteria: employed and spending at least 4 hours per workday standing or walking
Audience source: online survey respondents

Despite the frequency of foot discomfort reported, a relatively small share of workers indicated they use orthotic support. The complete findings, including industry-specific data and ergonomic analysis, are available in the Foot Pain at Work Report published by Footminders Inc.

The survey included workers across a range of industries, among them healthcare, retail, construction, and food service. “These results highlight how common foot pain can be for people whose jobs require long hours on their feet,” said Fred Salomon of Footminders Inc. “Many workers assume soreness is unavoidable, but supportive footwear and orthotic insoles can often make a meaningful difference.”

About Footminders Inc.
Footminders is a Boca Raton-based company that develops podiatrist-designed orthotic insoles to help improve foot comfort and support during everyday activities. Learn more at footminders.com.